American Express hosted an exclusive card member Q&A with Kobe Bryant on Tuesday with a few surprises in store.

During the event, unbeknownst to the sold out crowd (it sold out in less than five hours!) of American Express card members, the LA Lakers player’s former teammates, Rick Fox and Robert Horry, joined the session, which was held at the Conga Room at L.A. Live.

The event, which highlighted Bryant’s incredible NBA career, was an intimate conversation between the three former teammates, in which they joked about their great times together—on and off the court—revealed some of their most memorable moments and honored Kobe’s achievements.

After welcoming Kobe to the “old guys club”, Horry said, “Kobe is the hardest working person I’ve ever played with. He was always working on something he couldn’t do,” adding that what he missed most wasn’t “the game. It’s the locker room, the bus rides, plane rides, camaraderie.”

Fox added, “Kobe is relentless” before weighing in on his thoughts regarding the All-Star’s impending retirement: “I know he’s ready to begin that stage and take the next step after basketball.”

Of himself, Kobe said, “When I’m not playing, I’m not the Black Mamba. I’m a big teddy bear and a jungle gym to my kids.”

The conversation among greats was part of the NBA and American Express’ “Teammate to the Fans” to bring fans closer to one of their favorite sports. Along with their partnership with the NBA, American Express is a proud partner of the Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards. In October, AMEX signed a multi-year agreement with Turner Sports to be the exclusive presenting sponsor of the NBA on TNT and NBA TV halftime shows. The American Express Halftime Report is a featured presentation during all regular season and playoffs games on TNT and NBA TV, as well as during TNT’s exclusive presentation of the NBA All-Star Game.